AGYA Youth Featured in Documentary Film: Drinking From The Well

Film Synopsis: Drinking from the Well captures the real lives of Ugandan youth struggling to create a positive future in an environment that tests every ability to survive.  Nabulagala, the Kampala slum where they live, is populated with broken lives, crumbling homes, and bleak prospects. The sun’s heat suppresses emotion.  Dust from the red clay cakes every surface.  Malaria-carrying mosquitoes jab at unprotected skin.  Homemade alcohol, glue, and other drugs, substances that offer a brief reprieve from the misery, have turned people into empty shells that occupy the shadows of this slum. Day in and day out, the next generation of Kampalans must surmount these obstacles in order to begin thinking, dreaming and hoping about the future.  Somehow, Happy, Shamirah, B-Start, Kenny and Jajanelly, have done much more than this.  Under the umbrella of the Amagezi Gemaanyi Youth Association (AGYA), a community center where they live, these five have united to push against the odds and forge a future rich with possibility.

The film's anticipated release date is Summer 2012. Check out the trailer here and visit DFTW's Facebook Page!

Drinking From The Well Trailer from One Hand Clapping Pictures on Vimeo.

AGYA Conducts Outreach on Lingira Island

 By: Kenny Mulinde

With a population of about 600 people, Lingira is one of Uganda’s largest islands on Lake Victoria. The most dominant economic activity on the island is fishing. The people depend on fishing for sustenance and to generate revenue because farming is not very viable due to rocky, infertile soil. According to a Lingira health advocate, the rate of HIV/AIDS on the islands is a staggering 80%. That is, of every 10 people, 8 are HIV positive. Other diseases like malaria are also prevalent. There is only one school and one health facility on Lingira Island, and people from neighboring islands also come to these facilities to learn and get medical treatment. Youth and children make up about 60% of the island’s population.  Only 20% of the youth attend school; nearly 40 % spend the majority of their time fishing to support their families.

Lingira island is associated with high rates of illiteracy, wide spread poverty and limited social and economic resources due to inaccessibility and isolation.

AGYA Reaches Out To Grandmothers In Kangurumira Village

By: Kenny Mulinde

In May 2011, Amy and Patricia of Grandmothers Beyond Borders introduced AGYA to a local Grandmother’s Union operating in the village of Kangurumira in Jinja District. Personally, I think it is a very big challenge for us as young people to realize the need and importance of interacting with the elderly. In most cases, we think we know everything and also tend to ignore and abandon the teachings and guidance of our grandparents. Yet, these special people have the knowledge and guidance we need as young people to grow into responsible citizens.

AGYA Country Director Abraham Matovu (pictured here with one of the grandmothers) described the elderly as society’s living library that has all the knowledge of life skills and experiences.

After a positive and inspiring meeting with the members of the Kangurumira Grandmothers Association (KGA), AGYA youth realized the need for young people to work closely with grandmothers if we are to create change. We also determined to exchange ideas and knowledge in order to bridge the gap between the young people and the elderly.

Reflections of a Volunteer Alumni: How AGYA Shaped & Prepared Me For My Job With Teach For America

By: Marianna Singwi-Ferrono

During the summer of 2009, I spent a month living, teaching, and volunteering at AGYA along with seven other students from the University of Southern California.  Founded by Nicolette Omoile in 2008-9, Rise of African Youth through Self-Empowerment (RAYSE) is the first USC recognized student-organization to send students to Africa. RAYSE is dedicated to educating, empowering, and enriching the lives of the women and youth in Uganda and eventually all of Africa. We envision RAYSE to be the umbrella organization of numerous student organizations interested in raising awareness about the African continent. In order to realize our vision, RAYSE volunteers with AGYA during our annual service-learning “Alternative Summer Break: Uganda” (ASB) student trip. During the first trip in 2009, RAYSE collectively taught computer literacy, world cultures, music/songwriting, film production, theater games, art and dance, volunteered at  Nabulagala Good Hope Primary School and learned basic Luganda.  

Now in 2011, eight USC students are preparing to leave for the 3rd annual RAYSE “Alternative Summer Break: Uganda”.  These creative young leaders will be teaching classes such as story-telling, film  and music production, entrepreneurship and dance.  This year, RAYSE was also invited to the Clinton Global Initiative University leadership conference and we will be spearheading a sustainable sex-education and health program at AGYA.  RAYSE has grown immensely alongside AGYA since Nicolette, RAYSE’s founder, and Divinity, AGYA’s co-founder, tossed around ideas about developing the first USC trip to Africa. RAYSE has now sent about twenty-five students to volunteer with AGYA and all eight 2010 participants became active, passionate members of RAYSE’s Executive board upon their return from their inspiring trip to Uganda.  As RAYSE’s current President, previous 2010 Co-President and 2009 Fundraising director, I am proud of the progress this pioneering student organization has made.

AGYA Youth Leaders Honored at Young Achievers Awards

On Friday, December 3, 2010 at Kampala’s beautiful Serena Hotel, AGYA Youth Leaders Sarah Mulekatete and Kenneth Mulinde (pictured below) were honored among a group of Uganda’s most promising young leaders.

New AGYA Youth Leaders Announced

The involvement of youth in leadership positions of the organization is a central aspect of AGYA's philosophy. This is a departure from traditional Ugandan culture, which maintains the supremacy of elders, a point of view that often diminishes the capabilities of young people and renders their opinions irrelevant or unimportant. 

In AGYA, youth leaders have decision-making authority, contribute to the organization's overall strategic plan, conduct outreach and advocacy in the community, lead meetings, facilitate classes and workshops, and serve as Ambassadors to friends of AGYA. The inclusion of these powerful young voices has helped to set the organization's agenda and introduced new, innovative solutions to key problems affecting the thousands of Ugandan's living in urban poverty.

(ABOVE: AGYA's new leadership team with Co-Founders, Divinity Barkley and Abraham Matovu)

Artist Ben Rothschild Prepares for Trip to Uganda

Ben Rothschild, a native of Racine, Wisconsin and a recent graduate of the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD), is making final preparations for his upcoming trip to Uganda where he will facilitate arts workshops with children and youth at the AGYA Learning Center. Since graduating from MIAD, Rothschild has been studio-based in Racine, Wisconsin and has been exhibiting his work locally and nationally.

For Rothschild (pictured below), this trip represents his first visit to the continent of Africa and a unique opportunity to share his love for the arts.

* Photo Credit: A. Marie Phillips and Barbara J. Miner *

In Uganda, Rothschild will work with AGYA Youth Leader, Kenneth Mulinde who currently teaches AGYA's art classes. The collaborative teaching method between Rothschild and Mulinde represents AGYA's philosophy about international volunteers. "Although we welcome visitors to travel to Uganda and share their skills with the youth, all international volunteers are expected to work with AGYA's Youth Leaders to implement classes. Not only does this empower our youth but it also allows volunteers to contribute within the context of shared cultural understanding" said AGYA co-founders Abraham Matovu and Divinity Barkley.

Rothschild and Mulinde, who have been communicating via Skype and email for more than three (3) months, have developed an exciting curriculum which will include art classes and workshops four times per week for the duration of Rothschild's trip.

When asked to explain his thoughts on his upcoming trip, Rothschild said:

"It seems like it was yesterday that I first spoke with Kenny on the phone, as we discussed the possibility of me travelling to his home in Uganda. Kenny has been an inspiration to me since we first spoke. I cried tears of gratitude after our first conversation because he reminded me of what I had forgotten. Being an artist has little to do with how well one draws, paints, etches, or forges, it has everything to do with passion. The passion in Kenny's voice is so refreshing. Already a skilled craftsman at a young age, Kenny told me he would like to be a professional artist. I told him he already was.

During my stay with AGYA, it is not my goal to create artists. Rather it is my mission to give these passionate individuals the training that was so freely given to me, so that the can have the tools and resources to better express themselves and share their art with the world"

AGYA Youth Leader, 17 year old Kenny Mulinde Elected To Student Government

AGYA is proud to announce that one of our talented youth leaders, Kenneth Mulinde has been elected as "Headboy," a competitive leadership position at Nakasero High School in Kampala, Uganda.

Above: Kenny's winning campaign poster!

At AGYA, Kenny facilitates various arts workshops with children and youth. Specializing in African Batik prints, Kenny is an extremely talented young man who dreams of becoming an industrial artist. Kenny is also active in the AGYA Poetry and Creative workshops as well as the hip-hop class. When asked to express his feelings after learning that he had won the election, Kenny said:

"Being the Headboy is an amazing experience that entrusts one with
responsibility of guiding and leading fellow students at school. I am so
grateful to my AGYA family because of the support they gave me during my
campaign. They made me posters and always encouraged me. They showed me that I am not alone, and there are special people who are willing to stand up for me."

ABOVE: Kenny with fellow AGYA Youth Leader, Happy Namutebi, at AGYA's weekly community meeting.

"We are so proud of Kenny's accomplishment. He is a rising star and has proven to us that, with the proper leadership development training, Ugandan youth can rise above their circumstances to strive for a better future."

said AGYA Co-Founders, Divinity and Abraham.

Click here to see some of Kenny's amazing artwork.

Proceeds From African Batik Paintings To Support School Fees of AGYA Youth Leader, Kenneth Mulinde

AGYA Youth Leader Kenneth Mulinde facilitates various arts workshops with children and youth in Uganda. Specializing in African Batik prints, Kenny is an extremely talented young man who dreams of becoming an industrial artist like his late father who died when Kenny was just 10 years old.

Kenny is a stand-out student who loves math and English, but due to a lack of resources, Kenny, an orphan since he was 12 years old, does not have the money to pay his school fees. Despite the challenges he has faced, Kenny has remained positive and has emerged as one of the strongest youth leaders in AGYA.

AGYA is selling Kenny's paintings to supporters in the United States & Canada. Proceeds will go directly to paying Kenny's school fees so he can continue his Senior Five O Level High School Courses.

By buying one of Kenny's African Batik paintings (see gallery below), you will be giving the gift of education. To order: click on the safe, secure PayPal link at the top of the page, and email us at amagezigemaanyi@gmail.com with the Painting Identification Number

After your payment* is received, your painting will be shipped out within 3 business days.

*not eligible for tax exemption

Kenneth Mulinde Photo Gallery

(Above) Identification #: KM1, Cost: $35

(Below) Id # KM2, Cost: $ 35

(Above) Id# : KM3, Cost: $ 20

(Below) Id# : KM4, Cost: $ 25

(Above): Id# : KM5, Cost: $ 15

(Above): Id# : KM7, Cost: $ 15

(Below): Id# : KM8, Cost: $ 20

(Above): Id# : KM9, Cost: $ 20

(Below): Id# : KM10, Cost: $ 20

(Above): Id# : KM 11, Cost: $ 25

(Below): Id# : KM12, Cost: $ 30

(Above): Id# : KM 13, Cost: $ 15

(Below): Id# : KM14, Cost: $ 35

(Below): Id# : KM16, Cost: $ 20

(Above): Id# : KM 17, Cost: $ 30

(Below): Id# : KM18 Cost: $ 30

(Above): Id# : KM 19, Cost: $ 15

(Above): Id# : KM 21, Cost: $ 25

(Below): Id# : KM22, Cost: $ 20

(Above): Id# : KM 23, Cost: $ 20

(Below): Id# : KM24, Cost: $ 30

(Above): Id# : KM 25, Cost: $ 30

(Below): Id# : KM26, Cost: $ 20

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Students Emerge As Leaders In Their Community Through AGYA

Among AGYA’s core objectives are our commitment to organizational and financial sustainability and the empowerment of Uganda’s next generation who will lead the nation and the continent of Africa towards the full promise of the 21st Century.

Unlike many nonprofit organizations working in Africa that rely disproportionately on international volunteers, AGYA’s volunteer corps is primarily made up of Ugandan youth and young adults who feel passionately about shaping the future of their communities and their nation.


AGYA currently has 7 youth leaders who have proven to be talented, smart, passionate, creative, and innovative. The youth who make up the basis of AGYA’s leadership team are:

18 year old Sarah Mulekatete

18 year old Nelson Kazibwe

18 year old Happy Caitrine Namutebi

16 year old Shamirah Nansubuga

17 year old Aisha Kyebakuwadde

18 year old Richard Bugeza

17 year old Kenneth Golooba Mulinde

All of the students, except Sarah who will begin her studies at Makerere University this Fall, are still enrolled in secondary school.


Sarah teaches English to youth and she also assists AGYA Co-Founder, Abraham Matovu, with the Textiles and Fashion Design Program.


Nelson and Richard teach English, handwriting, spelling, and mathematics to primary school-aged children.


Pending the successful launch of the AGYA Computer Lab, Shamirah will serve as the instructor of the computer skills classes. Shamirah also leads the AGYA photography program


Aisha leads the arts and crafts and jewelry-making projects that are ongoing at the AGYA House.


Happy Namutebi teaches poetry classes and English to elder women in Nabulagala and the surrounding community. Sarah and Happy also facilitate the AGYA Free Lunch Program.


Specializing in African Batik prints, Kenny leads the AGYA Art Program.

As AGYA develops, we hope to provide more leadership, training and job opportunities to Ugandan youth who will maintain our programs and lead AGYA, Uganda, and Africa into the future.

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